INNOVATION SUPPORT FOR AMBITIOUS BUSINESSES
Do you have an innovative product or service that you would like to bring to market? Perhaps you would like to revisit your business plan and explore different ways you could grow and identify new customers? The Brighton Research Innovation Technology Exchange (BRITE) is a business innovation programme for ambitious and established businesses primarily based in the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership region. Applications are also considered for those outside of the region.
The programme is led by a highly experienced and dedicated team from Plus X Brighton, in partnership with the University of Brighton which is renowned for world-class research innovation expertise.
The journey to scaling a business can be challenging, particularly during these unprecedented times. BRITE could provide you with specialist research and development expertise as well as the support and facilities to make your business growth journey a reality. The BRITE programme differs from other business support programmes and accelerators in that the support you will receive will be tailor-made to the needs of your business and focuses specifically on scaling through innovation and collaboration.
The BRITE team and business members will occupy dedicated space as members of Plus X Brighton, which has seven floors of flexible work, event and meeting space and a roof terrace for a range of business members from freelancers to start-ups, scale-ups and innovative corporates. You’ll be surrounded by an exciting business community who celebrate collaboration, innovation, connectivity and positive productivity. Find out more about Plus X membership here.
The BRITE programme is receiving up to £5m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. To view eligibility criteria, please view the frequently asked questions on this page.
BRITE could be ideal for you if you would like support with:
Innovation expertise & funding
Tailored advice from business innovation experts and funding grants to further develop your innovation.
Research and Development
Access an impressive range of research and development facilities with specialist design teams to assist with prototype build and new product development.
Unlocking new routes to market
Identify and secure key partnerships that could help you to find new customers.
Learning from your peers
Be part of a valuable learning network designed to enable companies to learn from each other through expertly facilitated confidential group sessions.
BENEFITS TO YOUR BUSINESS
Monthly 1-1 coaching and regular check ins with the BRITE team
A dedicated monthly session with a business coach providing you with tailored advice to work through your innovation challenges and identify business growth opportunities.
Ongoing support from our onsite BRITE programme team with regular check in’s and opportunities to connect with the wider Plus X community in Brighton and beyond.
A calendar of workshops and masterclasses
Explore explore key innovation trends and new business development opportunities with a dedicated calendar of BRITE community workshops. Please note due to covid19 these will take place online until further notice.
Access to and expert training on an impressive range of research and development facilities
Including high spec machinery, equipment and expertise, with specialist design teams to assist with prototype build and new product development. Facilities include precision CNC milling machines, laser cutters, UX test suites, electronics laboratory, image, video and podcast studios.
Dedicated support to develop partnerships and collaboration opportunities
1-1 support and workshops on identifying and securing key partnerships that could help you to unlock new markets for your business and expand your customer base.
Grant funding
The opportunity to apply via the University of Brighton for grant funding to access academic expertise to further develop your innovation.
Be part of a vibrant community and learn from others
A learning network designed to enable companies to learn from each other through expertly facilitated confidential group sessions.
Register your interest
If you would like to register your interest for BRITE, please fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch with further information about the programme and application process. If you would like to speak with one of the BRITE team directly to find out more please email [email protected] to set up a call with one of our friendly team.
FAQ's
How do I know if I'm eligible for BRITE?
You must meet a series of gateway criteria
• Be a registered business
• Have fewer than 250 employees
• Have a turnover of under £50m
• Prove you have significant aspirations to grow, a capacity in your team to innovate and appetite to bring new products to market
Is there a cost to join BRITE?
BRITE members are required to be a member of Plus X Brighton where memberships start from £150 per month for unlimited co-working access, £250 per month for resident desk access, and £350 per person per month for private studios.
How long is the BRITE programme?
The BRITE programme is not a cohort based programme or accelerator. Businesses must engage in a minimum of 12 hours support. The BRITE programme runs from 2020-2022.
Do I have to be based in the Coast to Capital area to access BRITE?
Applicants based outside of the Coast to Capital area will also be considered.
I'm a start-up, is BRITE suitable for me?
BRITE is more suitable for businesses who are in a growing or scaling stage of business.
Is there a deadline to apply for BRITE?
No, but there will be deadlines for particular areas of the programme such as applications for grant funding. Please contact the BRITE team for more information.
